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October 9, 2009

I like how its Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong once described Singapore - "We may be small, but we have high hopes and big dreams and so long as we are a little red dot in the middle of Southeast Asia, let people know that we are a people who kill keep on trying and never say die. And with this spirit, the future is ours to make."

The first time that I stepped into Singapore was during 9 years old, which I could only remember that I touched a starfish at the Underwater World in Sentosa Island. In year 2006, I spent a short 3 days in Singapore, visiting relatives. The very next day, I spent a day in Sentosa Island at the Imbiah Lookout, sipping my wine cooler, and the next moment I was shouting all the way down the slope at the Luge Ride. Time was so short, and I was wishing that I could visit Singapore again!

Then last year on the 29-Dec, I was sent to Singapore on a business trip! But...you know, business trip is always very rush, and I could only spend my after work hours to enjoy Singapore. I tried the famous Tiffany Café & Restaurant's buffet, wrote a review on it, and surprisingly almost everyday the post attracted readers from google search!

After dinner, lucky enough I still had some time to walk around Chinatown.

I spent my new year countdown at Clarke Quay. The place is fantastic and I love it so much~

Overlooking Marina Bay on new year's day. I wanna go to Singapore again!! There's so much more that I haven't explore.

Why should I deserve Nuffnang's invite to Singapore? Obviously because I like the place sooo much and am already promoting it in my travelogs. Everyday I see people searching for the keywords "Singapore travel", "Singapore tour", and even "Tiffany cafe", and they came to my blog. ^.^ So if I were to be invited to the event, definitely there'll be much more that I will blog about! It means I'm contributing in promoting its tourism to the world. Then I should ask why don't I deserve an exclusive invite to Singapore... =P

As a traveler, we always have some expectations on where we are about to visit. Even the most carefree holidays will still give some expectations on the place, or at least what it's all about. I've been to Singapore a few times, but I still have so many places yet to be explored. Singapore is a blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. No doubt, this little red dot in the middle of Southeast Asia, per described by its current Prime Minister, had shone its way to everywhere in the world. However, a dream 1-day itinerary is still a big challenge, because you only have max 24 hours a day, if you minus out your bedtime (say 4 hours), then you need to make full use of the 20 hours left to do what you'd like most.

So it's still all about planning, planning, and planning! Of the $$ budget and time budget. Talking about visiting Singapore as a traveler, one would need to put 3 major things into consideration: places of interest, transport and spending. This time due to the word "dream", I would then temporarily put spending budget aside. To me, Singapore is famous for its rich arts and culture, food, and lifestyle, beauty & Wellness, nightlife, and of course shopping~ If I were given a day in Singapore, I would plan it this way ---

Starting out my journey in the morning, I would first go to Chinatown by MRT. Oh right, before even I start my journey, I would first purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass at Changi Airport when I land in Singapore. The best way to see Singapore in the lowest cost - Singapore Tourist Pass at S$8/day only! It's always convenient to move around bus MRT and bus.

Ok now back to the itinerary, I will start my precious 1-day in Singapore from Chinatown (Chinatown MRT Station, NE4), enjoying a scrumptious dim sum breakfast in one of the dim sum shops along Temple Street, Smith Street and Trengganu Street. --photo from triciamorente.files.wordpress.com

After breakfast, it's time to visit the multi-religious heritage in the streets of Chinatown. Places that I would like to visit - Thian Hock Keng Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and the Jamae Chulia Mosque. While sightseeing and taking photos of the colorful and lively streets, I can also bargain for souvenirs, and not to be missed, buying some Chinese pork jerky (bak kua) for my family.

Chinatown. --photo from virtourist.com

Sri Mariamman Temple. --photo from jochenhertweck.com

After visiting Chinatown, I will continue my journey to The Merlion Park by taking a ride to Raffles Place (Raffles Place MRT Station, NS26/EW14). While walking along the Singapore River, I want to take a tour in the historical Civic District of Singapore. Buildings that I could glance - Asian Civilisation Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, the Old Supreme Court, and The Fullerton Hotel. After snapping the picture of the Merlion, I will continue walking along the Esplanade Bridge to The Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

Raffles Place. --photo from theodora.com

After hours of walking and sightseeing, it's almost time for lunch. I could heard my stomach growling, hunger for the famous Laksa and Chicken Rice!! So Katong here I come! From The Esplanade, I could take a 10 minute walk through City Link Mall to City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13), and ride all the way to Tampines MRT Station (EW2). Then change to a bus ride (bus number 10, 12, 14, 32 or 40) to East Coast Road.

Tried Laksa in Singapore, but not this famous Katong Laksa. I always hope that one day I will have the time to go to Katong for a bowl of LAKSA!! --photo from nibbleofthoughs.blogspot.com

Katong District -- an area of rich blend of the Peranakan Culture (Chinese and Malay cultures), and my favourite Laksa! I think I'll almost burst my stomach savouring the local delights, and I could go to Katong Shopping Mall and visit my uncle, meanwhile savouring his famous chicken rice there too~ I've read many posts recommending his chicken rice as one of the best, but until now I still haven't eat at his stall yet. I know Katong area is really a food heaven. Slurrrppp~

After lunch, I can do a little shopping at Bugis Street (Bugis MRT Station, EW12) before go all the way to Sentosa Island (Harbour Front MRT Station, NE1; then take the Sentosa Express or cable car). Time for a little prayer at the temple too, for a safe flight back home. --photo from goseasia.about.com

--photo from flickr.com/photos/sai_tun

I'll be in Sentosa just in time to see the lovely pink dolphins at the Dolphin Lagoon. Then I will rent a bike and cycle around the island. Seen people did that but until now I still haven't got a chance.--photo from viator.com

--photo from ktelontour.blogspot.com

Waving goodbye to the largest Merlion, I then continue my journey to Orchard (Orchard MRT Station, NS22) for shopping and dinner. I will find a restaurant to savour another famous Singapore delicacy -- the Chilli Crab. Strolling along the streets shopping like another hotel heiress, I could have the chance to see an event roadshow, or if I'm luckier, meet an artist! --photo from streetdirectory.com

--photo from julianaheng.com

Last but not least, departing from Orchard Road to Clarke Quay (Clarke Quay MRT Station, NE5) for a chill out and party all night long! I could again spend my night sitting beside the riverbank and watch the lights changing color.

I would pump up my adrenaline with a reverse bungee jump at the G-Max, then party at the themed bars and clubs along the Singapore River. Last business trip I went for countdown at Clarke Quay and was amazed by the bungee jump! However the queue was too long so I missed trying it.

At Clarke Quay I could even taste the world famous Singapore Sling at True Heritage Brew Singapore Sling Boutique (#01-05, Clarke Quay) and get a small bottle of the famous Singapore Sling as a unique souvenir for my friends. --photo from travel-singapore-with-me.com

Singapore is a 24-hour metropolitan! If I never get drunk after partying, I could still opt for midnight shopping at Mustafa Centre. --photo from g4station.com

Indulge in the Uniquely Singapore experience!

You see, I planned it the way that a travel planner could plan, just nice for a maximum 24-hour indulgence the Merlion's hometown. So give me the tickets to Singapore~ (^.^) I'll make sure I write a great one about the event.